Integrated coax/ethernet distribution system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides for eliminating the requirement for cable modems and routers to be installed in CATV system subscriber homes, and/or establishments, by instead including the cable modems and routers in a CATV provider&#39;s main distribution line, for sharing amongst a plurality of subscriber homes and/or establishments.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser.No. 14/120,971, filed Jul. 17, 2014, which claims priority fromProvisional Application No. 61/958,066, filed on Jul. 19, 2013, and bothtitled “Integrated Coax/Ethernet Distribution System.” Also, thispresent application incorporates by reference, to the extent that thereis not a conflict therebetween, the provisions of the aforesaid Parentapplications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is broadly related to CATV DistributionSystems, and more narrowly to such systems that reduce the cost ofdevices required in the home or facility of a subscriber to the system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The proposed system allows for the delivery of Internet data via CATV's“broadband coax infrastructure”, in a more cost effective deploymentthan today's “conventional” broadband infrastructure implementation. Tohighlight the differences, let's first begin by reviewing the currentbroadband infrastructure.

FIG. 1 highlights the “last mile” of a prior typical high speedbroadband system implementation as presently used. As shown, the portionof the system included in the CATV providers main distribution line,includes a fiber node 2 for receiving from a fiber optic cable 1 lightmodulated signals from the headend of the provider, and converting thelight signals to RF output signals connected to the input of a lineextender 4. A coaxial cable 5 feeds the output of the line extender tothe input of a CATV tap 6. The CATV tap 6 typically includes a pluralityof splitters (not shown) for splitting off a plurality of portions ofthe CATV signal, the portions being provided at Terminals for connectionvia coaxial cables to a plurality of houses or facilities, respectively,subscribing to the associated CATV service. As shown in FIG. 1, forpurposes of simplified illustration, a first coaxial cable 10 isconnected between the CATV tap 6 and a subscriber's house 32, a secondcoaxial cable 9 also being connected there between. Also, in an nthcoaxial cable illustrated as 14, is connected from the CATV tap 6 to annth subscriber's house, but for practical purposes it should beunderstood that the number of tap offs provided by CATV tap 6 is limitedto the present state-of-the-art. All of the connections between the CATVtap 6 and various homes and/or business establishments of subscribersprovides for bidirectional signal transfer there between. Within thesubscriber's home 34, the splitter 22 splits off a portion of the CATVsignal onto a coaxial cable 24 connection to various TV sets, set-tops,and so forth. Splitter 22 also splits off via coaxial cable 23 CATVsignals that are connected to a cable modem 24. In this example, thecable modem 24 converts the CATV RF signals to Ethernet or USB signalswhich are connected to a Wi-Fi node 26. Also shown within the home 34 isa personal computer (PC 30) that is connected to a Wi-Fi/RF transceiver28.

With further reference to FIG. 1, it illustrates a CATV tap 6, as wellas the subsequent or additional line extender(s) (such as amplifiers,not shown) and CATV system tap(s) (not shown), that would typically bepresent within the last mile of a CATV network. The specific number ofline extenders and taps present in the CATV network is dependent on thedistance from the CATV tap 6 to the subscriber homes and/or businessestablishments, the density of those homes (i.e., homes and/orestablishments per given geographic area), and the subscription rate(i.e., number of paying customers) within the geographic area.

Communications signals, i.e., video/audio, high speed data, and controlinformation, are transmitted (and potentially also returned) on the CATVsystem at prescribed frequencies/wavelengths, as determined by the CATVoperator. The exact frequencies and wavelengths of those signals aredetermined by both industry agreed upon conventions, and the specificbandwidth requirements of each CATV operator. These communicationsignals on the “right” side of the fiber node 2 (i.e., to/from the “lastmile”), are typically transported as RF signal on a coaxial cable, atfrequencies consistent with the above, and generally up to 1.2 GHz.

On the left side of the fiber node 2 (i.e., to and from the headend),the signals are generally transported on fiber optic cables 1, usingspecific industry standard laser wavelengths and modulation, alsoconsistent with the above. These signals may also be transported to/fromthe headend as RF signals on coaxial cables (at similar or differentfrequencies than the last mile), or some combination of fiber optic andcoaxial cables. Within the fiber node 2 itself, the signals areconverted to the “last mile” RF frequencies (regardless of how theymight have been received/sent from the CATV headend), and amplified fordistribution to the last mile as indicated. Also contained within thesesignals are control signals to and from the headend to the home(s) whichprovide for authorization, configuration and control of video/audioset-tops, IP telephony hardware and cable modems, that may be presentwithin the home(s). These signal are generated via a “system controller”present at the CATV headend (or other central location), but notillustrated.

Also shown on FIG. 1 is the typical interfacing into a typical residencevia an RF splitter/tap 22, at the point of presence (entry) into thehome, of the CATV network. As indicated, this process is “repeated” atother subsequent homes and/or business establishments (to the nth home,for example), from each tap that may be present on the CATV network, foreach subscribed (i.e., paying) customer residence. Within each home,this RF splitter 22 “splits” the RF signal into two main functionalpathways—the video/audio path via coaxial cable 20 (to the left of thesplitter 22), and the high speed data path via coaxial cable 23 (to theright of the splitter 22). There could be additional subsequent (orcombination) splits on either/both of these main video/audio and datapathways depending upon the layout of the house and the number ofrequired video/audio and/or data outlets, but this will serve to detailthe basic implementation.

The functional pathways can be described simply as those signalsdelivered in support of video/audio services, such as broadcast/premiumchannels, or Pay per View/On-Demand channels which are delivered withinthe video/audio (RF) spectrum on the coax cable 20, and those signals insupport of data services, such as high speed data or VoIP telephony,which are delivered within the high speed data (RF) spectrum on the coaxcable 23. The reality is that the actual coax cable and the combinedvideo/audio and high speed data signals are identical in both signalpathways, only that the RF signals of each functional pathways arelocated at different frequencies bands on the CATV coax. Alternatively,the video/audio signals could be delivered as high speed data signals,either as independently delivered (potentially in IP video/audio format)to an IP Video/audio set-top, or as IP video/audio in the DOCSIS (DataOver Cable Service Interface Specification) format.

Inside the home (see FIG. 1), the high speed data pathway has an inputto the CATV modem 24, which converts the RF signal to high speedbaseband data. The output of the modem 24 then inputs the high speeddata into a conventional router 26 (with optional integrated WiFifunctionality, as indicated). It should be noted that this WiFifunctionality may not be present at all (wherein the router 26 is“hardwired” directly to a computer via Ethernet cable), or the WiFifunctionality may be a separate device hardwired to the router via anEthernet (cable) connection. It should also be noted that the Wi-Fi node26 could additionally include integrated VoIP functionality, interfacingdirectly to a telephone (not shown), or this VoIP functionality could becontained within a separate device, hardwired via Ethernet to therouter. The WiFi signal is then transmitted wirelessly within the home(primarily), to other WiFi enabled devices in the home, such ascomputers (desk-tops and/or laptops, such as PC 30 connected to aWi-Fi/RF transceiver or router 28), video/audio game consoles,smart-phones, tablets, PDA, WiFi enabled TVs and DVD players, etc), viathe “IEEE 802.11x” (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers)frequency bands (5.0 and/or 2.4 GHz).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the invention the cable modem typically installedinside a subscriber's home, for example, is moved from the home into aCATV node of the CATV network. Also included in the node is a fiber nodefor converting optical signals from a CATV head end into RF signals forinputting to the cable modem. Further included in the node is anEthernet to RF converter for converting the Ethernet output signals fromthe modem into RF signals fed into a tap, or a line extender and then atap, for connection via various output taps of the splitter to aplurality of homes and/or business establishments. As indicated, foreach of the homes and/or business establishments so connected, a cablemodem will not be required within the home.

In another embodiment of the invention, both the cable modem and aWi-Fi/RF node are moved from within the individual homes and/or businessestablishments of subscribers into a CATV node of the CATV network,whereby the modem and Wi-Fi/RF node functions are provided directly fromthe CATV node for use by a plurality of subscriber homes and/or businessestablishments individually connected to the CATV node. In other images,a single CATV modem, and a single Wi-Fi/RF node, within the CATV nodewill act to provide data services to a plurality of homes and/orbusiness users, whereby the use of a modem and Wi-Fi/RF node in eachhome has been eliminated. It should be noted that in each of these homesa Wi-Fi/RF transmission device with a bandpass filter will be required,for example, should the subscriber wish to receive Wi-Fi/RF transmissionwithin their home or business establishment. Also, a subscriber can usehardwired connections from a splitter receiving a CATV signals toindividual devices receptive of the CATV signals.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a conventional MoCAconfigured system is modified to include within the CATV systemproviders CATV node, a CATV modem, and an Ethernet-to-RF converter. Aswith the first embodiment of the invention mentioned above, the CATVnode may also include a fiber node, a line extender, and tap(s). Notethat MoCA is an acronym meaning Multimedia Over Coaxial Alliance, whichis an industry standard alliance relating to coaxial cabling forenabling whole home distribution of high definition video/audio andcontent. In this manner, as with the first embodiment of the invention,the requirement for having a cable modem in the homes and/or businessestablishments of each of the CATV subscribers is eliminated. Forfacilitating a home subscriber's or business establishment's use ofMoCA, a novel MoCA gateway device must be included within the home,along with other devices typically included in a conventional MoCAconfiguration, as an alternative embodiment.

Still another embodiment, the CATV node as mentioned for the previousembodiments, can otherwise be a single line extender or tap configuredfor connection to a CATV cable modem, and Wi-Fi/RF node, whereby thehomes or business establishments of subscribers are free of the lattertwo devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention are described below withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which like components ordevices are identified by the same reference numeral. However, theseembodiments are not meant to be limited by what is shown in the drawingsas briefly described immediately below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conventional or known high-speedCATV network from a CATV provider's head end to within the home of asubscriber.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a novel high-speed CATV network inwhich a CATV cable modem is included in a CATV node of the provider forserving a plurality of homes and/or business establishments, none ofwhich now require a cable modem, for a first embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a novel Ethernet-to-RF converterdevice for the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a novel RF-to-Ethernet converterdevice for the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a novel high-speed CATV network inwhich both a cable modem, and a router (Wi-Fi/RF), have each beenincluded in a CATV node of the provider for serving a plurality of homesand/or business establishments, none of which now require the latter twodevices, for a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a novel Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi (RF)converter included in the CATV node for the second embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a novel Wi-Fi (RF) interface deviceincluded within each subscriber's home for the second embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a conventional or known MoCAconfigured CATV network from a CATV provider's head end to within thehome of a subscriber.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a MoCA adapter device for use in eachsubscriber's home in the known MoCA configured CATV network of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for a MoCA configured CATV network in which acable or CATV modem is included within the provider's CATV node forserving a plurality of home subscribers, in this example, therebyeliminating the need for a cable modem in the homes and/or businessestablishments of the subscribers, for a third embodiment of theinvention, also in which an Ethernet-to-RF converter device is includedin the provider's CATV node.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a novel Ethernet-to-RF converterdevice included in the third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a novel MoCA gateway device includedin the third embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 a conventional or known high-speed CATV network is shown toinclude a fiber optic cable 1 from the headend of a CATV providerconnected for bidirectional signal transfer to a fiber node 2, thelatter functioning to convert the CATV optical signals into RF signalsfor connection to a line extender 4, whose output is connected to a CATVtap 6. Note that these connections provide for bidirectional signaling,whereby signals generated by a subscriber are passed from the CATV tap 6to the line extender 4, and then to the fiber node 2 which converts theRF signal into an optical signal for transmission along the fiber opticcable 1 to the headend of the CATV provider. The CATV tap 6 includes asplitter or number of splitters for splitting off the CATV signal to aplurality of home subscribers via a coax cable 10 to a firstsubscriber's house 32, a coax cable 9 to a second subscriber's house 34,and to a practical limit an nth coax cable 14 to an nth subscriber'shome and/or business establishment, each for bidirectional signalingbetween the homes/business establishments and the CATV tap 6. The CATVtap 6 also is connected via a main coax cable 18 to additional lineextenders and/or taps (each of which are not shown) included in the mainnetwork signaling path. As further shown, within a typical one of thesubscriber's homes, such as home 34, an RF splitter/tap 22 is connectedvia coax cable 9 to the CATV tap 6 for bidirectional signaling therebetween. The splitter 22 splits off one portion of the CATV signal itreceives for connection via a coax cable 20 to TV's, set-tops, and otherdevices within home 34. The splitter 22 also splits off another portionof the CATV signal for connection via a coax cable 23 to a cable modem24. The cable modem 24 converts the CATV RF signal it receives to anEthernet or USB signal mode for connection to a Wi-Fi and/or router 26for transmitting signals within the home 34, in this example. Note thata personal computer (PC) 30 is shown to be connected to a Wi-Fi/RFtransceiver 28 for receiving signals from the Wi-Fi transceiver orrouter 26. Note that all of the aforesaid connections shown in thisexample provides for bidirectional signaling between devices andcomponents shown.

A first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 2. In thisembodiment, the cable modem 24 previously required in home 34, is nowlocated outside the home 34 in a node 36 that includes the fiber node 2feeding RF signals to line extender 4 (which is optional depending uponwhether amplification of the RF signals is required). Also, anEthernet-to-RF converter 40 is included in the node 36 for convertingEthernet or USB signals from modem 24 into RF signals for connection toa plurality of taps 6. The tap(s) 6 split off RF CATV signals tosubscriber's homes and/or business establishments as previouslydescribed for the typical conventional CATV network of FIG. 1. Also notethat the CATV modem 24 can be provided input signals from the output ofthe CATV fiber node 2, in absence of the line extender 4.

In FIG. 3, with reference to FIG. 2, the novel design of theEthernet-to-RF converter 40 is shown, but is not meant to be limiting.The node 36 further includes an RF splitter 21 for splitting off theCATV signals received from coaxial cable 5 along a coaxial cable 42 to aDC/RF tap 44, and along another coaxial cable 41 to cable modem 24. Theoutput from cable modem 24 is connected via Ethernet cable 43 to anEthernet-to-RF transceiver 50, each of which devices are included withinthe converter 40. The DC/RF tap 44 splits off the CATV signals, forpassage through a DC blocking capacitor 48, band reject filter 52, andRF combiner 54 to a coaxial output line 7, for connection to the tap(s)6 within node 36. The DC/RF tap 44 also passes DC voltage received fromthe CATV headend or a distribution network power supply (not shown) to apower regulator 46 providing power to the Ethernet-RF transceiver 50.Alternatively, the power regulator 46 may otherwise be provided power.The output of the transceiver 50 is passed through a bandpass filter 56to the RF combiner 54, for passage of CATV and data signals along acable 7 to tap(s) in node 36, as previously described.

With reference to FIG. 4, and FIG. 2, the RF-to-Ethernet converter 38within home 34 includes a DC/RF tap or splitter 44 for receiving CATV RFsignals from coaxial cable 23. A power regulator 46 is provided powereither via a DC voltage provided from the associated subscriber's homeor business establishment. The power regulator 46 provides power to anRF-to-Ethernet transceiver 60. DC/RF splitter 44 also splits off CATVsignals for passage through a DC blocking capacitor 48, RF combiner 54,and band reject filter 52, to a coaxial output 58 for connection totelevision sets, set-tops, and so forth within the subscriber's home orbusiness establishment. The RF-to-Ethernet transceiver 60 sends andreceives signals from RF combiner 54 via a bandpass filter 56, forconverting the signals to Ethernet or USB signals, for connection to aWi-Fi node 26, as shown in this example. Alternatively, the Ethernetsignals can be directly connected by Ethernet cable to any otherEthernet device.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5, in which theWi-Fi node 26 shown within the home or business establishment 34 in thefirst embodiment of the invention of FIG. 2, has been removed therefrom, and installed in node 62 in the CATV distribution system inassociation with the CATV fiber node 2, and optional line extender 4,providing RF signals to a CATV cable modem 24 and an Ethernet-Wi-Fi/RFconverter 27, as shown in simplified form. An RF tap 21 receives RFsignals either directly from the optional line extender 4, or from theCATV fiber node 2. The RF tap 21 splits off RF signals for connection toa CATV modem 24, and in turn, an Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi converter 27. TheCATV modem 24 provides Ethernet output signals to a router 68, with thelatter operating to route Ethernet signals to a plurality of houses orbusiness establishments (not shown). The Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi converter 27can optionally provide Wi-Fi signals to a Wi-Fi/RF antenna 51, and viatap(s) 6 a plurality of houses via coaxial cables 10, 9, and 14, forexample (many more than three houses are business establishments may beinvolved). Note that FIG. 6, as described further below, shows greaterdetails of this second embodiment of the invention. In this manner, aplurality of homes and/or business establishments connected to CATV node62 will not require a cable modem 24 or router/Wi-Fi node 26. However,as shown, each home or business establishment, in this example, caninclude a Wi-Fi/RF interface 29 (with a bandpass filter).

With further reference to FIG. 6, the Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi/RF converter 27is similar to that of the Ethernet-to-RF converter of FIG. 3. However,in FIG. 6, the Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi/RF transceiver 70 is substituted inplace of the Ethernet-RF Transceiver 50 which converts signals fromtransceiver 70 to drive Wi-Fi (RF) antenna 51, which is an optionalfeature. Also, a router 68 is included for routing Ethernet signals toindividual subscribers, and to Ethernet-Wi-Fi/RF transceiver 70. As willbe discussed in greater detail below, the frequency characteristics ofthe bandpass filter 56 and band reject filter 52 of the invention maynot necessarily be the same for different embodiments of the invention.

In FIG. 7, an example of a Wi-Fi/RF interface or device 29 with abandpass filter is shown. Device 29 includes an RF coupler 74 receptiveof CATV signals from coaxial cable 31, for splitting off a portion to abandpass filter 57, and another portion to a band reject filter 53. Theoutput of the bandpass filter 57 is passed through an optional 2-wayamplifier 76 to a Wi-Fi (RF) antenna 78. The output of the band rejectfilter 53 is connected via coaxial cable 11 to set-tops, TVs, etc.

In FIG. 8, a conventional or known MoCA network configuration is shown.The portions of this network that are the same as those of the networkof FIG. 1 will not be further described here. A MoCA filter 84 isincluded between various subscriber homes and/or business establishmentsfor preventing signals within the present MoCA frequency band from 1,125MHz (megahertz) to 1,675 MHz from exiting or entering the associatedhome, such as home 80. Within a home such as home 80, a MoCA splitter 86is receptive of the CATV output signals from within the home or businessestablishment. Splitter 86 splits off a portion of the signalsindividually to MoCA adapters 88, and 90, respectively, and to MoCAtelevisions, set tops, and so forth, as shown in this example. MoCAadapter 90 provides RF output signals to a cable modem 92, and receivesEthernet signals from cable modem 92. Also, Ethernet output signals fromcable modem 92 are connected to the Wi-Fi node 26. In this example, MoCAadapter 88 provides CATV output signals to a gaming console 94, and toMoCA enabled television sets, set-tops, and so forth.

In FIG. 9, an example of a MoCA adapter design that is identical forMoCA adapters 88, 90, is shown for an embodiment of the invention, butis not meant to be limiting. The adapter 88, 90 includes a DC/RF tap orsplitter 44 receptive of MoCA signals for inserting off a DC voltage (ifincluded on the signal input line) to a power regulator 46 (a DC voltagemay otherwise be provided in the home 84 powering power regulator 46),and the MoCA signals through a DC blocking capacitor 48 to an input ofan RF combiner 54. The RF combiner 54 passes one portion of the signalsvia a coax cable 96 to MoCA enabled TVs, set-tops, modems, and so forth,and to a bandpass filter 59. The output of the bandpass filter 59 isinputted to an RF-to-Ethernet transceiver 60. In MoCA adapter 88, theRF-to-Ethernet Transceiver 60 provides Ethernet signals to and from anEthernet device 97 (game console, etc.). In MoCA adapter 90, its coaxialoutput 96 provides RF signals to a cable modem 92 (see FIG. 8).

FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the invention providing a MoCAconfigured network in which the cable modem 92 found in the homes and/orbusiness establishments of subscribers using the conventional MoCAnetwork (see FIG. 9) has been eliminated, whereby a CATV modem 24 isinstalled in a CATV node 98, as shown, in the CATV distribution system.The CATV node 98 further includes a CATV fiber node 2 driving anoptional line extender 4. If the line extender 4 is used, its amplifiedoutput is connected to a splitter 21, otherwise the input of thesplitter 21 is directly connected to the output of the CATV fiber node2. Splitter 21 splits the CATV RF signal into two portions, one of whichis connected to a cable modem 24 (see FIG. 3) for converting theEthernet output from modem 24 into RF signals for inputting to tap(s)110, as shown. The outputs of the taps are individually connected viacoaxial cables 10, 9, and 14, in this example, to a plurality of homesand/or business establishments, but additional taps can be provided forconnection to many more homes or businesses establishments. Coax cable 9is connected to a MoCA filter 89. The output of MoCA filter 89 isconnected to the input of a MoCA Gateway 85. MoCA filter 89bidirectional blocks signals within the MoCA bandwidth, therebypreventing MoCA signals from traveling between a CATV providerdistribution system and subscriber's homes or business establishments.Also, as further described below, the MoCA filter 89 can either beseparate from the MoCA Gateway 85, or incorporated therein. The Ethernetoutput from cable modem 24 is connected to the input of a router 68,that provides a plurality of Ethernet signals via an Ethernet-to-RFconverter to a plurality of subscriber's homes or businessestablishments, respectively.

The design for an Ethernet-to-RF converter 100 (see FIG. 11) is shownfor another embodiment of the invention, but is not meant to belimiting. Note that the converter 100 is substantially the same as thedesign for the Ethernet-to-RF converter 40 of FIG. 3. However, in thisthird embodiment of the invention the cable modem 92 can be a nextgeneration modem (DOCSIS 3.1), which is not limited to MoCAapplications, and can apply equally to previously mentioned cable modem24. The Ethernet output from cable modem 92 is fed to a router 68 forfeeding the Ethernet output individually to multiple subscriber housesor business establishments via Ethernet-to-RF converter 40 (see FIG. 3),as previously mentioned. Note that the RF splitter 21, cable modem 92,router 68, and Ethernet-to-RF converter 100 can all be located inassociation with other line extenders, fiber node's, and/or taps thatmay be included in the CATV distribution system, for example. Also notethat an Ethernet output from router 68 can also be converted into anoptical signal by an Ethernet-to-optical converter (not shown) forconnection of the resultant optical signals by a fiber optic cable 104to the headend of a CATV provider via direct data connection. Thislatter feature can be utilized with the above-described otherembodiments of the invention.

The design for the MoCA Gateway device 85 (see FIG. 10) is shown in FIG.12 for an embodiment of the invention, but is not meant to be limiting.CATV signals from CATV node 98 are inputted to a MoCA filter 89 (seeabove) for only partially blocking MoCA signals to a DC/RF tap/splitter44. Power regulator 46 provides power to the RF-to-Ethernet transceiver60. Note that the power regulator 46 will be provided power in theassociated subscriber's home or business establishment. The DC/RFsplitter 44 also splits off the MoCA signals to a DC blocking capacitor48 for passing the signals to a bandpass filter 59. Signals from thebandpass filter 59 are outputted to the RF-to-Ethernet transceiver 60.As shown in FIG. 10, the Ethernet output signals from transceiver 60 areconnected to MoCA adapter 90. Note further that in this example the MoCAfilter 89 is included within the Gateway device 85, in this example.

It should be noted that the various embodiments of the present inventionare meant to include bidirectional signal transfer between the headendof the cable provider and each subscriber's home. Also, as previouslyindicated, the present MoCA bandwidth is between 1,125 MHz and 1,675MHz. In addition, the present CATV ultra wideband signal bandwidth ispreferably 3,200 MHz to 4,700 MHz, but can be a otherwise. The present802.11 Wi-Fi 2,400 MHz band has a bandwidth from 2,400 MHz to 2,500 MHz.The present 802.11 Wi-Fi 5,000 MHz band has a bandwidth from 4,915 MHzto 5,875 MHz. These frequency bands are periodically updated by industrytrade associations, technological advances, and so forth.

The frequency bands for the bandpass filters of the present inventionwill now be described, but are not meant to be limiting. The bandpassfilters 56, and band reject filters 52, respectively, shown in FIGS. 3,4, and 11, respectively, for Ultra Wideband each have the frequencyresponse band of the latter, for 802.11 WiFi 2,400 MHz band each havethe frequency response band of the latter, for 802.11 WiFi 5,000 MHzband each have the frequency response band of the latter, and for theMoCA band each have the frequency response band from 1,125 MHz to 1,225MHz. The band reject filter 52, and band pass filter 56, of FIG. 6 andthe band reject filter 53 and band pass filter 57 of FIG. 7,respectively, for 802.11 WiFi 2,400 MHz each have the frequency responseband of the latter, and for 802.11 WiFi 5,000 MHz, each have thefrequency band response of the latter. In FIG. 9, bandpass filter 59 hasa frequency response band the same as the MoCA frequency band. In FIG.12, the bandpass filter 59 has a frequency response band from 1,125 MHzto 1,225 MHz. Also, the MoCA filter 89 in either FIG. 10 or FIG. 12blocks 1,350 MHz-to-1,675 MHz, and passes 1,125 MHz to 1,225 MHz.

In the proposed invention (FIG. 2), the functionality of the CATV modem24 has been “removed” from the house 34 is, and moved “upstream” withinthe CATV Node 36 of the CATV network, as shown. In doing so, the modem24 functionality (which can support multiple sessions simultaneously)can be shared by all houses connected to the same CATV node, reducingthe overall cost of CATV modem deployment for a CATV operator. Asillustrated, this functionality could be included within the CATV node.This CATV modem functionality could also be included as part of the lineextender or tap functionality that were previously shown in FIG. 1, butnot separately illustrated in FIG. 2.

The main difference (to the proposed invention) in where this modem 24functionality is placed within the last mile (either at the node, lineextender or tap) effects the “amount” of sharing possible of the modemfunctionality. If the modem 24 is placed at the fiber node 2, this modem24 can be shared amongst all paying CATV customers (homes and/orbusiness establishments) within the last mile connected to the node 36.If the modem 24 is placed further away from the node 36 and closer tothe homes and/or business establishments (i.e., at one of the lineextenders), then the modem 24 will be shared amongst fewer homes and/orbusiness establishments, and is limited to those homes and/or businessestablishments directly connected to that line extender. If the modem 24is placed still further away from the node and closer to the homesand/or business establishments (i.e., at one of the CATV system taps 6),then the modem 24 will be shared amongst even fewer homes and/orbusiness establishments of subscribers, and is limited to thosesubscribers directly connected to that tap. Note that bandwidth persubscriber increases as the number of subscribers is reduced.

Regardless of where the modem 24 is located in the last mile, given thatthe output of the CATV modem 24 is baseband high speed data, this datamust first be converted back to RF for transport to/from the house(s).This conversion is provided by the Ethernet-RF converter 40 as detailedin FIG. 3 (within the CATV node 36 as illustrated, or potentially alsowithin the line extender or CATV system tap, as described above).

Within the house, FIG. 2 indicates removal of the CATV modem 24functionality, and the addition of an RF-Ethernet converter 38. ThisRF-Ethernet “converter” 38 basically “undoes” the Ethernet-RF conversionprovided by converter 40 added outside the home (at the node 36, in thisexample, or at a line extender or tap), now that the modem 24 is beingplaced outside the home. The frequencies selected for this conversionare the same on both sides, (i.e., outside and inside the home), and areconsistent with available spectrum on the last mile of the CATV system,using cost effective technology. Given that, these RF frequencies couldbe the conventional unlicensed 802.11 band such as typically used forlow power WiFi communications, or it could be a different frequency bandaltogether, including “Ultra Wide Band” frequencies and modulation(3,200 MHz to 4,700 MHz, as one such example). The only stipulation onthe frequency band, is that it is not in a range already in use on thelast mile of coaxial cable/CATV system, for transport of either thevideo/audio signals, high speed data or control signals.

FIG. 3 details the components located at the fiber node 2, as well aswithin the Ethernet-RF conversion device 40. Here again, thesecomponents could also be located at the line extender or CATV systemtap, as explained previously. It should also be noted that these twofunctional components (CATV modem 24 and Ethernet-RF converter 40) couldbe combined into a single unit, as well as combined together orseparately within the node 36, line extender, or tap enclosure.

Powering for the CATV modem 24 and the Ethernet-RF converter 40 can beprovided from either the home, or via the existing (or supplementallyadded) powering from the CATV network. At the Coax Input, a “DC/RF tap44” is provided (see FIG. 3), when external powering is supplied fromthe CATV system itself. As such, the DC (or low frequency AC) “i.e.,powering voltage” is “tapped off” the center conductor of the coax, andconnected to the Power Regulator 46 within the conversion device 40.Also included is a DC block (such as a capacitor 48), which prevents theimbedded DC signal from shorting out, within the conversion device 40.Alternatives to this powering method include powering from the house(s),in which case the location of the DC/RF tap 44 and DC blocking capacitor48 would be reversed (i.e., appearing on the Coax Output versus the CoaxInput as indicated in FIG. 3.)

In concert with the Ethernet-to-RF transceiver 50, is a “band rejectfilter 52” consistent with the frequency range selected for thetransceiver 50, which clears any residual noise/signals that may bepresent within the chosen bandwidth. This band reject filter 52 alsoprevents any of the “Ethernet signals now modulated at RF” from beingbroadcast “upstream” onto the main coax cable. Also indicated is a “bandpass filter” 56 consistent with the frequency range and band rejectfilter, to minimize any spurious signals from being outputted from theEthernet-RF converter 40 onto the CATV network or into the home(s),outside the desired conversion frequency band. Lastly, within theEthernet-RF converter 40, the modulated RF output of the Ethernet-RFtransceiver 50 is combined with the existing RF signals present from thecoax input an RF combiner 54, and transported on the coax cable to thehouse(s) served by the fiber node 2, line extender or tap.

As detailed in FIG. 2, within each house, the CATV signal is split“functionally” as described previously above. On the “high speed data(right) side”, the CATV signal first enters an RF-Ethernet converter 38,basically “re-converting” the (high speed data portion of the) RF signalback to a baseband Ethernet signal, for input into a conventional WiFinode 26 (either separate or integrated, as also described previously).The left side remains unchanged from FIG. 1. FIG. 4 details the internalcomponents of this RF-Ethernet converter 38 within the home(s).

FIG. 5 illustrates a further advancement and embodiment of theinvention, where additional functionality is removed from the house(s)and placed at the fiber node 2 (or line extender or CATV system tap, asin previously described embodiments), where again, it can be shared byadditional homes and/or business establishments. In this configuration,the WiFi node 26 (or other appropriate frequency band) transceiverfunctionality are also removed from the house, resulting in additionalcost reductions for the CATV operator. Note that as previously mentionedhomes is meant to be synonymous with homes and/or businessestablishments.

FIG. 6 details the additional functionality now present in the CATVnetwork (shown at the fiber node 2, although could also be implementedat the line extender or tap as described previously), including anEthernet-to-WiFi/RF converter 27. A separate router might also berequired, if the routing functionality is not already present within theEthernet-to-WiFi/RF transceiver 70. As before, the band reject filter 52prevents the RF (WiFi or alternative RF) from travelling “upstream” onthe CATV system. The band pass filter 56 also functions as before, tominimize any spurious signals from being outputted from theEthernet-WiFi/RF converter 27 onto the CATV network or into the home(s),outside the transceiver 70 desired frequency band. Powering for theseadditional components could also be from the home or the CATV network,as before. Here again, these additional components (CATV modem 24,Ethernet-WiFi/RF transceiver 70 and router 68, as shown in FIG. 6 if sorequired) could be physically housed individually, in combination witheach other, or within the fiber node 2, line extender or tap itself.

FIG. 7 details the WiFi/RF interface present within the home in thisimplementation. The input signal to the WiFi/RF interface is firstsplit, with the WiFi/RF band presented to the WiFi/RF antenna 78 fortransmission within the house (via a bandpass filter 57 (likely a SAWfilter) centered at within the WiFi/RF band, to prevent transmission ofthe other CATV signals within the home 34). An optional 2-way amplifier76 may also be included as indicated, depending on the WiFi/RF signallevels present at the WiFi/RF antenna 78. The other output of thesplitter/RF coupler 74 within the WiFi/RF interface is interfaced viacoax cable to the TV's via band reject filter 53. FIGS. 8 through 12detail a specific case of the above implementation, by using a uniquelydefined portion of the spectrum to communicate data signals between thenode/line extender/tap, and the home(s). This implementation sets asidethat spectrum, as defined by MoCA (Multimedia Over Coax Alliance).

FIG. 8 highlights the current industry MoCA implementation, including a“MoCA Filter” 84 placed at the point of entrance of each home, such ashome 80, to prevent the MoCA signals from interfering with both the CATVnetwork and other homes and/or business establishments (also carryingMoCA signals), as previously mentioned. This “band reject” MoCA filter84 is centered to block the above MoCA band (and as such, any specificchannel within the MoCA band) from exiting (or entering) each household.It should also be noted is that the specific channel selected can bere-used by another household on the CATV network, as a result of thisMoCA filter 84. The coaxial cable 87 transports both the conventionalCATV communications signals, as well as the “MoCA generated” frequencycommunications. FIG. 9 details the general internal functionality of aMoCA adapter 90 (88), which as can be seen is very similar to the priorconverter 38 of FIG. 4, except that it is specific to the MoCA banddefined above, and is how these MoCA frequency communications aregenerated within the home(s).

As in FIG. 2, FIG. 10 removes the modem functionality from the home andplaces it at the fiber node 2 (or line extender or CATV tap, as before),the only difference being that the communications between the house andthis external modem 92 is accomplished within the MoCA frequency band.To facilitate this (and consistent with the MoCA frequency plan), asecond (and different) MoCA channel is used to communicate between the(now external) modem and the home(s). In this case, the MoCA filter 89detailed in FIG. 10 is slightly different than MoCA filter 84 in FIG. 8,and that MoCA filter 89 passes this second MoCA frequency band into andout of the home, yet still blocks the original MoCA channels fromexiting (or entering) the home. Because there are plurality of channelswithin the MoCA band, this could be easily accommodated. It should benoted that there is also the option to use the MoCA (first channel)within the home(s), and use a totally different frequency band (likeWiFi, for example), for communications between the home and the externalmodem. In this case, the MoCA filter 89 in FIG. 10 would be identical tothe MoCA filter 84 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 (similar again to FIG. 6) highlights the conversion of theoutput of the modem 92 to an RF frequency via Ethernet-to-RF converter100, for communications to and from the home(s). Consistent with theabove paragraph, this frequency could be a (second) MoCA channelaltogether (from the first MoCA channel within the home), or a differentfrequency altogether (as was the case in FIG. 6). Also consistent withFIG. 6 is an optional router 68 functionality, if not so alreadyincluded within the modem.

If excess dark fiber is available to the fiber 2 node, converter 100 aof FIG. 11 also provides for both the possibility of the elimination ofthe modem 92 altogether, by allowing for a “direct data” connection (viathe excess fiber) to a more centralized location within the CATV system(at the CATV headend, for example). This could provide significantlymore data rates and better response times available to each home, than aconventional DOCSIS (industry standard) modem. Alternatively, a DOCSIS3.1 modem 92 can be located at the fiber node 2 (or line extender orCATV tap), to also provide additional data rates into each home(s),especially if the data link from and to the node/line extender or tap,can support very high data rates (such as are possible with Ultra WideBand, for example.

Lastly, FIG. 12 shows the design of the MoCA Gateway 85 shown generallyin FIG. 10 (it represents an RF-MoCA gateway) present within the home34, in this example, that “reconverts” the frequency used to communicatebetween the home and the external modem 92 of FIG. 11. Here again(similar to FIG. 4), the MoCA filter 89, and bandpass filter 59, arecentered consistent with the filters of FIG. 11, depending upon whichfrequency band is selected to communicate between the house and theexternal modem 92. The output of the MoCA gateway 85 is connected to theMoCA Adapter 90 showing in FIG. 9.

Various embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed above, but are not meant to be limiting. Those of skill in theart may recognize certain modifications to these embodiments, whichmodifications are meant to be covered by the spirit and scope of theappended claims. For example, devices that are removed from thesubscriber's homes or business establishments, as described above forvarious embodiments of the invention, can be located at any practicalpositions in the CATV distribution network in association with variousof the devices, such as fiber node's, line extenders, and taps,respectively, for example. Also, it should be noted that there are manyindustrial standards such as Ethernet, whereby in the presentembodiments of the invention USB signals can be a substituted forEthernet signals.

1. A CATV distribution system comprising: a CATV provider maindistribution line having components including: at least one fiber nodefor converting CATV optical signals from a headend of said provider intoCATV RF signals; and at least one CATV tap for receiving RF outputsignals from said fiber node; a CATV modem located at said CATV tap, forconverting CATV RF signals received therefrom into Ethernet signals anEthernet-to-RF converter, co-located with the CATV modem, for convertingthe Ethernet output signals from said CATV modem into RF signals, theEthernet-to-RF converter comprising: a coaxial input, an Ethernet input,and a coaxial output; a band reject filter for receiving RF signals fromthe headend of said CATV provider through the coaxial input, wherein theband reject filter rejects received RF signals which are in apredetermined frequency band; an Ethernet-to-RF transceiver forreceiving Ethernet signals from said CATV modem through said Ethernetinput and converting them into RF signals; a bandpass filter receptiveof RF signals from said Ethernet-to-RF transceiver for passing portionsof said RF signals within the predetermined frequency band; and an RFcombiner individually receptive of the RF output signals from saidbandpass filter and band reject filter, for combining these signals, andconnecting the combined signals to said at least one tap via saidcoaxial output; and said at least one CATV tap for receiving the RFsignals from said coaxial output of said Ethernet-to-RF converter, andindividually tapping off portions of the signals for independentdistribution to the homes or business establishments of a plurality ofsubscribers, respectively.
 2. The system of claim 1, further includingat least one line extender/amplifier connected between an output of saidfiber node and an input of said CATV modem.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the predetermined frequency band is selected from the family offrequency bands including 3,200 MHz-to-4,700 MHz for ultra-wideband;2,400 MHz-to-2,500 MHz and/or the 802.11 Wi-Fi: 2,400 MHz band; 4,915MHz-to-5,875 MHz for the 802.11 Wi-Fi: 5,000 MHz band; and 1,125MHz-to-1,225 MHz for the MoCA band.
 4. The system of claim 1, furtherincluding: an RF-to-Ethernet converter located within the homes orbusiness establishments of each subscriber for receiving RF signals fromsaid at least one CATV tap, and converting the RF signals into Ethernetsignals; and a Wi-Fi node located in the homes or businessestablishments of each subscriber, for receiving said Ethernet signalsfrom said RF-to-Ethernet converter, and transmitting the signals withinthe associated home or business establishment for use by devicesconfigured to receive and use Wi-Fi.
 5. The system of claim 4, whereinsaid Ethernet signals in the home or business establishment are directlyprovided to Ethernet devices via wired connections.
 6. The system ofclaim 4, wherein said RF-to-Ethernet converter includes: an RF combinerfor receiving said RF signals from said at least one CATV tap; abandpass filter receptive of said RF signals from said RF combiner forpassing a portion of the signals within a the predetermined frequencyband; an RF-to-Ethernet transceiver receptive of RF signals passedthrough said bandpass filter, for converting said RF signals intoEthernet signals; said Wi-Fi node being receptive of said Ethernetsignals from said RF-to-Ethernet transceiver for transmitting Wi-Fisignals within the associated home or business establishment for use bydevices configured to receive the Wi-Fi signals; and a band rejectfilter for receiving RF signals from said RF combiner, and rejectingportions of these signals in the predetermined frequency band, forproviding the non-rejected portions of the signals to television sets,set tops, and other devices within the associated home or businessestablishment.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the predeterminedfrequency band is selected from the family of frequency bands including3,200 MHz-to-4,700 MHz for ultra wideband; 2,400 MHz-to-2,500 MHz forthe 802.11 Wi-Fi: 2,400 MHz band; 4,915 MHz-to-5,875 MHz for the 802.11Wi-Fi: 5,000 MHz band; and 1,125 MHz-to-1,225 MHz for the MoCA band. 8.The system of claim 1, further comprising a router connected to the CATVmodem for providing the Ethernet signals individually to the homes orbusiness establishments of a plurality of subscribers.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one fiber node includes an RF splitter forsplitting the CATV RF signals between the CATV modem and theEthernet-to-RF converter.
 10. An Ethernet-to-RF converter, comprising: acoaxial input, an Ethernet input, and a coaxial output; a band rejectfilter for receiving RF signals from the headend of a CATV providerthrough the coaxial input, wherein the band reject filter rejectsreceived RF signals which are in a predetermined frequency band; anEthernet-to-RF transceiver for receiving Ethernet signals from the CATVprovider through said Ethernet input and converting them into RFsignals; a bandpass filter receptive of RF signals from saidEthernet-to-RF transceiver for passing portions of said RF signalswithin the predetermined frequency band; and an RF combiner individuallyreceptive of the RF output signals from said bandpass filter and bandreject filter, for combining these signals, and outputting the combinedsignals via said coaxial output.
 11. The Ethernet-to-RF converter ofclaim 10, wherein the coaxial input includes a tap which receives the RFsignals from the headend of the CATV provider at the coaxial input andwhich passes a voltage to a power regulator.
 12. The Ethernet-to-RFconverter of claim 11, wherein the power regulator provides power to theEthernet-to-RF transceiver.
 13. The Ethernet-to-RF converter of claim12, wherein the tap provides the RF signals from the headed of the CATVprovider to the band reject filter through a DC blocking capacitor. 14.The Ethernet-to-RF converter of claim 10, wherein the CATV providerincludes a CATV modem which provides the Ethernet signals to theEthernet input.
 15. The Ethernet-to-RF converter of claim 10, whereinthe CATV provider includes an Ethernet-to-optical converter whichprovides the Ethernet signals to the Ethernet input.
 16. A CATVdistribution system comprising: a CATV provider main distribution linehaving components including: at least one fiber node for converting CATVoptical signals from a headend of said provider into CATV RF signals; atleast one CATV tap for receiving RF output signals from said fiber node;an Ethernet-to-optical converter for converting between optical signalsand Ethernet signals; an Ethernet-to-RF converter connected to theEthernet-to-optical converter, for converting the Ethernet signalsreceived from said Ethernet-to-optical converter into RF signals, theEthernet-to-RF converter including a coaxial input connected to the atleast one fiber node; an Ethernet input connected to the Ethernet-to-RFconverter, and a coaxial output; and said at least one CATV tap forreceiving the RF signals from said coaxial output of said Ethernet-to-RFconverter, and individually tapping off portions of the signals forindependent distribution to the homes or business establishments of aplurality of subscribers, respectively.
 17. The CATV distribution systemof claim 15, wherein the Ethernet-to-RF converter further comprises: aband reject filter for receiving RF signals from the headend of saidCATV provider for rejecting RF signals in a predetermined frequencyband; a bandpass filter receptive of RF signals from said Ethernet-to-RFtransceiver for passing portions of said RF signals within thepredetermined frequency band; and an RF combiner individually receptiveof the RF output signals from said bandpass filter and band rejectfilter, for combining these signals, and connecting the combined signalsto said at least one tap via said coaxial output.
 18. The system ofclaim 17, wherein the predetermined frequency band is selected from thefamily of frequency bands including 3,200 MHz-to-4,700 MHz for ultrawideband; 2,400 MHz-to-2,500 MHz and/or the 802.11 Wi-Fi: 2,400 MHzband; 4,915 MHz-to-5,875 MHz for the 802.11 Wi-Fi: 5,000 MHz band; and1,125 MHz-to-1,225 MHz for the MoCA band
 19. The system of claim 16,further comprising a router connected to the CATV modem for feeding theEthernet signals individually to the homes or business establishments ofa plurality of subscribers.
 20. The system of claim 16, furthercomprising a fiber optic cable for transmitting the optical signalsbetween the headend of said provider and the Ethernet-to-opticalconverter.